Georgia Tech Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for 2012

The 2011 season had its ups and downs for Georgia Tech Football. The Yellow Jackets started off the year with six wins in a row, and put up some amazing offensive stats during that run.  

But the team finished the season on a disappointing note, finishing out with two wins and four losses despite managing to take down No. 5 Clemson at home for a moral victory. Then Tech managed to lose yet another bowl.  

2012 should bring an improved defense and a more cohesive offense to the Flats, but that was also what we expected last season.  

With a senior quarterback as the solid pre-camp favorite to start, and the 3-4 defense coming together, this season could be a special one—or a huge let down.  

2011 Record: 11-3

With a bit of re-shuffling, the ACC was able to get a marquee matchup set for Labor Day night as the Yellow Jackets travel to Blacksburg to take on the other Tech.  

This game has basically decided the Coastal representative to the ACC Championship Game every single season of its existence.  

Both squads have a lot of experience at the quarterback position, and both ended last season on a bitter note with a close bowl loss.  

This game is a toss-up.  Hokies win in a close one.  

Prediction: Loss (0-1)

2011 Record: 4-7

Five days after opening the season on the road with a conference game, the Jackets play their home opener against the Blue Hose of Presbyterian College. 

Though Tech doesn't want to sleep on any team (remember Gardner Webb, 2008), the Yellow Jackets should be able to beat this team with their eyes closed.  

Prediction: Win (1-1)

2011 Record: 8-5

Virginia took down the Jackets in something of a surprise last season. The Cavaliers were much improved in 2011, but ended the season in a tough Chick-Fil-A bowl loss to Auburn.  

Tech has always struggled in Charlottesville, but didn't expect to drop the game last season, and will be looking for pay back this year.

The Cavs may have improved, but still haven't built the history of winning in recent years to compete on a consistent basis. They could prove me wrong, but I think last season may have been a more of a fluke than a reality going forward.  

Prediction: Win (2-1)

2011 Record: 6-6

Tech went down to Miami last season and lost a sloppy, disheartening game on the road. This was all part of the Jackets' late season collapse, and had more to do with Tech playing poorly than the Canes playing well.

With all the turmoil still surrounding the Miami program and tons of uncertainty on and off the field, a focused Yellow Jackets team has every opportunity to get back on the winning side of this Coastal matchup.

The Jackets have what it takes to beat the Hurricanes, and even though Al Golden will have his team on the right path soon, it won't be soon enough to beat this year's Georgia Tech team. 

Prediction: Win (3-1)

2011 Record: 2-10

Last season the Yellow Jackets went on the road and scored six on the first play from scrimmage as if it were a video game.  

The 2012 installment of this game wraps up a home-away-home series started with MTSU back in 2010 as the Blue Raiders travel back to Atlanta for more punishment.  

Middle Tennessee isn't very good and likely won't be again this season. This will be a good tune up game for Tech.  

Prediction: Win (4-1)

2011 Record: 10-4

The Clemson game has become one of the more heated rivalries in the ACC and the entire Southeast. This is one of those games where the records, talent level and even coaching can be thrown out the window most of the time.  

Last season an undefeated Clemson squad came to Atlanta and did what was expected: They lost any hope of a national title at the hands of the Yellow jackets.  

This season Clemson welcomes the Jackets to their house and comes at them with everything they have. Speed wins this game and the Tigers have the upper hand.  

Prediction: Loss (4-2)

2011 Record: 4-8

Paul Johnson's first road game, ACC game and FBS game at Georgia Tech was against Boston College and he pulled off a close win.  

The Eagles weren't good in 2011, and they're not going to be good in 2012. They come to Atlanta after the Jackets get an off week and there's no way they will be able to keep up.

There is no need to spend much time on this game. Tech wins. 

Prediction: Win (5-2)

2011 Record: 10-3

The last time Georgia Tech faced BYU was nearly a decade ago and they lost by double digits on the road.  

The newly independent Cougars had a good season in 2011, at least on paper. Their ten win season, while impressive, didn't post wins against any real quality opponents.  

This season the Yellow Jackets are a better team and should beat BYU easily, but this could also be as much a trap game as any on the schedule. That's why they play the games. 

Prediction: Win (6-2)

2011 Record: 2-10

Randy Edsall replaced the reigning ACC Coach of the Year at Maryland last season and brought with him all the ingredients to start his very own dumpster fire.  

The former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator, who lost to the Jackets last season, defends his home turf in what will be a tough task for his short handed Terrapins.  

Prediction: Win (7-2)

2011 Record: 7-6

In a late season conference matchup, the now post season-less Tar Heels will be looking for a moral victory by playing spoiler within the ACC.

Larry Fedora is a fine coach, and will have a season an par with what can be expected under such circumstances, but it won't be enough to consistently beat quality opponents until the smoke clears.

Look for a good game, but the Jackets can handle the re-grouping Heels.  

Prediction: Win (8-2)

2011 Record: 3-9

Duke, even under David Cutcliffe, just keeps on being Duke.  

I think more is expected of this perennial loser now that they once again have a quality coach with a winning tradition, but he hasn't been able to crack the code.  

This game will be a tune up before the Jackets go on the road for "Clean Old Fashioned Hate" the next weekend.  

Prediction: Win (9-2)

2011 Record: 10-4

The Bulldogs have all but owned Georgia Tech in football over the past decade. Not since the Joe Hamilton/George Godsey days have the Jackets truly been in control of this ancient series.

Georgia has a really good quarterback and an an improving defense, but it's time for a Tech win in this series.  

This prediction is based on nothing more than a gut feeling and really is a coin flip.  

Prediction: Win (10-2)